None of us should be surprised that Taylor Swift: a) understands the music industry and how it will probably evolve, and b) was asked to write a piece for the Wall Street Journal. (She is a legitimate brand, friends.) But despite both those things making complete sense, you'd be surprised at how shocked readers were to discover the Red mastermind scored a byline.
In an op-ed for the newspaper yesterday, Swift argued that the music industry isn't dying, it's "just coming alive," which, to some people in the industry might come as a bit of a shock.
Titled "For Taylor Swift, the Future of Music is a Love Story," the piece argues that our strong emotional connections to an artist doesn't just fade — especially if the artist is willing to work for said affections.
"Some songs and albums represent seasons of our lives, like relationships that we hold dear in our memories but had their time and place in the past," Swift writes. "I believe couples can stay in love for decades if they just continue to surprise each other, so why can't this love affair exist between an artist and their fans?"
She makes a good point — especially since most of us are still listening to our favourite music from a decade ago. (I mean, the day I want to turn off a Spice Girls song is the day I'm dead inside.) And she continues to make many more, especially in regards to creativity and creative potential that we often overlook when talking about music.
"This moment in music is so exciting because the creative avenues an artist can explore are limitless," Swift continues. "In this moment in music, stepping out of your comfort zone is rewarded, and sonic evolution is not only accepted . . . it is celebrated. The only real risk is being too afraid to take a risk at all."
Ughhh Taylor, why are you so smart and also so poetic and also so great? The piece is fantastic, and a good take on a controversial topic. Also, it ends with the line, "I'd also like a nice garden" so there's that. Read it up, and share your thoughts below.
